SBI MLS Rookie of the Week: Ryan Meara

It was a good week for MLS rookies, with several enjoying standout performances, but it was hard to top New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Ryan Meara's day against New England.

Meara made five saves, several of the top-notch variety, to help lift a severely short-handed Red Bulls squad to a 1-0 victory over the Revolution. That effort helped Meara record his first professional shutout, and earned him SBI MLS Rookie of the Week honors in the process.

Meara edged out Colorado midfielder Tony Cascio, who recorded a goal and assist in the Rapids 4-0 win vs. Chivas USA. Other rookies who had solid outings this weekend included D.C. United's Nick DeLeon and Philadelphia's Ray Gaddis.

What did you think of Meara's performance? Who did you consider the week's top MLS rookie?

Best part about Meara’s clean sheet was Benny Feilhaber’s admission that meara did and/or said something to fake Feilhaber out on the free header that Benny ended up sending right into Meara’s arms. Perhaps the kid is wise beyond his years.

With Barklage, Ruthven, and Lade seeing more time in the next few weeks, Backe’s record in developing young Americans may get better — even if it’s not exactly the way anyone would want to see it happen.

Meara, Ruthven, Lade, Barklage, McCarty, Cooper — how long has it been since RBNY started so many Americans?

i saw ny’s highlights and he did make some big saves, but Cascio’s goal and play up to the goal was huge! the final half of the game he was the best player on the field. especially once they moved him up top.